When the customers realized they were not getting revenue, Boone allegedly cut off contact with them and did not return their money. The indictment lists transfers of up to $10,000 into accounts Boone controlled, according to the indictment.

The indictment was filed in Los Angeles because the alleged crimes occurred in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties. Authorities said the alleged crimes occurred at least from 2005 through July 2010.

Authorities said Boone ran the scheme under the business names of HS Consortium Inc., American Blog Inc. and Great Ideas LLC. Boone's alleged alias included "John Smith," "Justin Winabali," "John Greene" and "John King."